[for.give] vb -gave ; -giv.en ; -giv.ing [ME, fr. OE forgifan, fr. for- + gifan to give] vt (bef. 12c) 1 a: to give up resentment of or claim to requital for "~ an insult" b: to grant relief from payment of "~ a debt"
2: to cease to feel resentment against (an offender): pardon "~ one's enemies" ~ vi: to grant forgiveness syn see excuse -- for.giv.able adj -- for.giv.ably adv -- for.giv.er n